Beware Adder Bites

Spring is the perfect time of year to encounter an Adder as they start coming out of hibernation. However, it is also the most likely time for dogs to be bitten by one too!

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake and Suffolk is the perfect place for them to reside. They are mainly found in open, or semi-open habitats, especially on south-facing slopes. Heathland is ideal habitat, but they can also be found in rough grassland, fens, scrubby areas, sand dunes, the roughs of golf courses, along forestry rides and in clear-felled areas and on railway embankments and sea walls.

Adders are a protected species, so please do be careful when out and about in the local area and if you do encounter one, please leave it alone.

Adders are quite distinctive, males have a black zigzag pattern on a grey background, females have a lighter zigzag on a brown background.

What to do if your dog is bitten by an Adder

Bite wounds are very painful and the wound may start to swell very quickly and have a dark colouration.

Remain calm – easier said than done, but very important as your dog will pick up on your anxiety.

Keep your dog as still as possible – This is to reduce the speed at which the venom will travel around the body. You can carry your dog if possible, or you can walk them very slowly back to your car.

Seek treatment from a vet as soon as possible.

DO NOT try to suck out the venom or to tourniquet the bite wound, this may cause further complications.

Prognosis is usually good if treated promptly, however it is possible for your dog to have an anaphylactic reaction if it has been previously bitten.